German instructor speaks about environment

WILLIAMSPORT, Pa. - Lycoming College instructor of German, Daniela Ribitsch, Ph.D., was interviewed by Dave Stratton on Bear Country Radio 99.9 FM’s "Good News Live" Sunday, Sept. 29. Ribitsch discussed ways that area residents can reduce their ecological footprint by making small changes in their day-to-day lives.

Karyn Stratton, the station’s general manager, asked Ribitsch to come on the program due to the instructor’s article series, “How big is your ecological footprint? Five simple steps to protect Pennsylvania’s natural beauty,” about environmental awareness that was published in the Lock Haven Express from Sept. 5 to Oct. 3. Topics in the series include littering, saving energy, reducing waste, disposing garbage and responsible consumerism.

Ribitsch, who has lived in Lock Haven for four years, was inspired to write the pieces because she was frustrated with how little attention many area residents seem to pay to the environment. “When I walk to the bus, there are a lot of people not turning off their car when going to the ATM and that’s something that I still haven’t understood,” she said. “I thought, ‘I can’t go to everybody and say, ‘Why don’t you do that?’ So, I wanted to reach a lot of people and that’s how I came up with the idea to do the articles.”

An Express editorial said, “A native of Graz, Austria, Dr. Ribitsch has some very valuable experience and advice to offer as she discusses the impact our collective actions have on our environment.” The articles are available online at www.lockhaven.com.

Lycoming College is a four-year, residential liberal arts and sciences school dedicated to the undergraduate education of 1,400 students. Its rigorous academic program, vibrant residential community and supportive faculty foster successful student outcomes. Lycoming offers 36 academic majors and is recognized as a Tier 1 institution by U.S. News & World Report. Founded in 1812 and located near the banks of the Susquehanna River in Williamsport, Pa., Lycoming is one of the 50 oldest colleges in the nation. For more information, visit www.lycoming.edu.